Chapter 207: Had enough hugging?

Han Xiao Wu, who are you trying to scare to death? Zhang Cunwen's drowsiness was scared off, that bamboo‑thin person clung straight to Han Wen Jun's body.

Zhang Xiao San, go slow, go over and take a look—I just saw a person's shadow. Han Wen Jun frowned, gazing at that spot, rubbing his eyes.

As the two approached while on guard, they saw the empty wall base.

Did you see wrong? Zhang Cunwen rubbed his eyes, staring at the empty spot, unable to make out anyone—his earlier drowsiness had completely worn off.

Han Wen Jun examined more carefully, looking down, then up at the big tree, and furrowed his brow.

Maybe I mis‑saw.

As the two walked back, Han Wen Jun kept glancing back—had he really mis‑seen?

At that moment, at the wall behind the tree, Ning Chengyan embraced Jiang Yunchu's waist, feeling the soft, delicate Young Princess Consort leaning honestly into his embrace; for a moment his heart pounded violently, like a startled rabbit darting about.

Had enough hugging? Jiang Yunchu lifted her head; this time they were close enough that she even saw Ning Chengyan's ears slightly red.

With so many women, he's still this innocent?

Ancient men really are quite peculiar!

No.

Ning Chengyan felt the softness in his embrace; his heart pounded like a drum, each beat vibrating his eardrums, as if he could hear a thunderous sound.

Ning Chengyan!

Jiang Yunchu narrowed her eyes, then drove her knee upward—a swift, precise, vicious move.

Ning Chengyan instinctively sensed danger, his arm loosening quickly; he turned his body, pulling Jiang Yunchu to his chest, his hands tightly clasping hers at her abdomen.

Young Princess Consort, you need to consider the future.

He almost broke out in a cold sweat—if anything happened, what would become of the Young Princess Consort's happiness?

Moreover…

Few can get close to him, especially women—even his mother consort must stay three steps away; once inside his safety zone, he instinctively attacks.

But looking at the Young Princess Consort in his arms, his heart went soft as mush; at first he restrained his attacking instinct, yet before her his instinct was utterly useless.

Let go!

Her hands were held by the hateful man, and when she kicked her leg back, he dodged it.

Ning Chengyan looked at the Young Princess Consort's fierce expression, also afraid of provoking her, and hurriedly said, "I'll let go, I'm letting go."

As soon as he spoke, he hurriedly released her and stepped back a pace.

The moment Jiang Yunchu gained freedom, her hand clenched into a fist and she struck swiftly.

Although Ning Chengyan dodged, the fist still hit his arm—"hiss—"

He sucked in a sharp breath— the Young Princess Consort's grip is strong!

Ning Chengyan, stay farther away from me from now on. Jiang Yunchu's cold stare was like a sword piercing the heart.

I find it dirty…

As soon as she spoke, she turned to leave.

Ning Chengyan hurriedly grabbed her, but Jiang Yunchu shook him off.

I…

He hadn't finished speaking when Jiang Yunchu cut him off.

I've said we're partners, we're grasshoppers on the same rope; for my own life and for our two children, we can cooperate and coordinate.

But!

Don't scheme against me; if you scheme against me, I don't mind……

Fish die, net breaks!

Those four words, she bit them tightly; her face lost anger, replaced by calm, her eyes holding tranquil stillness.

Just stating a fact, yet that fact made Ning Chengyan's heart twitch—turns out he too can feel heartache; turns out this Da Ning youth general can also feel pain.

Before, even when blades pierced to the bone, as long as he could stand and pick up his sword, he felt no pain.

But her words made him feel cold.

I understand. Ning Chengyan closed his eyes briefly, in an instant regaining his composure and self‑control.

His feelings, if they were a burden to her…

Even if it's a misunderstanding, he's willing to give her the days and life she wants.

Speak, what's the matter? Jiang Yunchu's brows knit with a hint of irritability, unable to name the emotion.

Those letters, I exchanged them for notes and have already delivered them to the palace.

For the safety of the Wang Fu, that manor cannot remain attached to the Regent Prince's Manor.

I've arranged for people to move it secretly; Steward Yun will find you. Ning Chengyan spoke while watching Jiang Yunchu's expression, but she kept a cold face, showing no change.

I understand. Moving the manor out is the best solution.

In the future, if anything happens, the Regent Prince's Manor can also distance itself.

If there's anything, you can go find Steward Yun. After Ning Chengyan finished speaking, he gave her a deep look, then with a light‑foot flicker, a few leaps, he left the Regent Prince's Manor.

Jiang Yunchu rubbed her wrist, feeling a warmth there, as if the heat of those two big hands still lingered.

Something's wrong!

She lightly furrowed her brows, then uttered three characters and left the academy dormitory area; just now the two children had risen at night, so she wouldn't go to the male dorm— the children are older now, apparently needing someone specifically to watch over them at night.

My lady, over at the academy there's Zi Wu; she'll take good care of the children. Zi Su hurriedly had someone bring hot water, her tone worried: "How come you're so wet? Didn't you bring an umbrella?"

Jiang Yunchu smiled helplessly: "Zi Su, if you keep nagging like this, you'll soon be an old lady."

The Zi Su just mentioned, her words got stuck in her throat, she couldn't speak, couldn't swallow…

My lady!

She softly called out, then began lowering her head to arrange the bathing things.

On the other side...

Ning Chengyan arrived at the hidden outpost, and knocked on the door according to the agreed-upon melody.

"Come in." Yun Steward hurriedly opened the door and saw Ning Chengyan outside.

"I pay my respects, General."

After Ning Chengyan entered the room, Yun Steward dropped to one knee, clasping fists.

She is Yun Steward, but also a soldier of the Wang Fu.

"Get up."

Ning Chengyan sat on the head seat, then looked at Yun Steward: "Jingdu side needs to be watched closely; if the Cao family makes trouble again, you handle it over there."

"General, are you leaving?" Yun Steward felt something off, suddenly looked up at Ning Chengyan.

"The southern barbarians are stirring; I've stayed here long enough." Ning Chengyan smiled; if it weren't for his curiosity about the Young Princess Consort, after finishing affairs in Ning Jing he would have returned south.

He has disappeared for so long; one purpose is to let the southern barbarians lower their guard, another is to expose the internal spy.

He and his imperial brother, one in the open, one in the dark, are investigating the events of years past.